Ben Swanson

Pastor

I love God, and I love people. These loves guide my life as a pastor. I love serving a smaller church and am committed to keeping our community relational.

In my role as pastor, preaching brings me joy. Studying the Bible each week – while listening for the ways this ancient text speaks to our current lives and circumstances – leads to revelation, inspiration and an ever-changing life. Presenting what I find and then discussing it with you on Sunday mornings is the highlight of my week.

Despite being a self-professed “homebody,” God has led me to serve our ministry partners in Bukoba, Tanzania. We work year-round with COSAD to bring about sustainable community development through self-sustaining agricultural and medical projects, and I lead trips to Bukoba almost every summer.

It is a great honor and privilege to serve as pastor of Mercy Commons Covenant Church. However, I believe the ground is level at the foot of the cross and on the road to heaven, so my position means I’m called, not “better than.”

I hope to grow with you as a follower of Christ within our community of faith.

Aaron Markson

Director of Worship & Ministry Development

Worshiping God is a life-long commitment that is best lived out in community.

As worship director I aim to point people to God, not just in song, but in all aspects of life. Usually that means getting out of the way. Leading worship has very little to do with what I can do and has everything to do with what God can do through me.

While I believe that worship goes way beyond musical form, a 30-minute time frame and a church building, there is something special about gathering regularly to sing together. Singing brings people together. It builds bridges. It reminds us of the hope we stake our claim in. It blurs out our differences and clarifies our similarities.

I love serving and being served by a community that values authenticity with one another and with God. It allows us to worship more honestly and express ourselves more freely in all circumstances and seasons.

I care deeply about the people I serve, and strive to know intimately the God we worship together. My family and I are blessed to be a part of Mercy Commons Covenant Church.

contact us

Ben Swanson, pastor – pastorben@mercycommons.org

Aaron Markson, director of worship & ministry development – aaronmarkson@mercycommons.org

Kim Thill, office administrator – info@mercycommons.org

volunteer ministry areas

worship | outreach | children | youth | adult | congregational care | fellowship | buildings & grounds | communications

To contact one of our volunteer ministry area leaders, please contact the church office by email or call 952.920.9188, and we’ll get you in touch with the appropriate leader.